History of Aiken

Aiken has been described as one of America's most interesting communities. It is a city of spacious parks, natural charm and civic pride, with the old blending harmoniously with the new.

Aiken began officially December 19, 1835, the dating of the Charter of the town. It was named for William Aiken, Sr., a prosperous cotton merchant, whose son later became Governor of South Carolina. Between 1830 and 1833, the elder Aiken was instrumental in building what was then the longest Railroad in the world, the CHARLESTON & HAMBURG, 136 miles long, one terminal being Charleston, S.C. and the other Hamburg, S.C., now extinct, directly across the Savannah River from Augusta, Georgia.

The railroad ran through Aiken and was built in the center of what is now Park Avenue, then called Railroad Avenue. Its construction was supervised by a young engineer from Boston, Andrew Alfred Dexter, who also was authorized to plan and make a plat of the town. This plat, dated September 24, 1834, is the basis for the titles of a great deal of the Aiken property today. The streets and avenues were named for the counties in South Carolina. The intriguing name of one of Aiken's streets - Whiskey Road - came from its usefulness in the days when whisky and rum were run from the Atlantic Coast to the North over the road. Now it is the main artery leading south of Aiken to the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Plant.

With a population of 683 in 1849, Aiken entered a new phase, having been recognized as a health resort for persons with lung and respiratory ailments. Many visitors of wealth and culture came to Aiken seeking health and relaxation, including the late Mr. And Mrs. Thomas Hitchcock. The Hitchcocks were horse lovers, and found the Aiken terrain and climate ideal for fox hunting and conditioning horses for spring races.

Many sportsmen followed the Hitchcock's example, and soon Aiken had one of the most famous and exclusive winter colonies in existence. Polo has been played in Aiken since 1882, and for many years Aiken was known as the Polo Center of the world. Golf is another sport played with great vigor in Aiken, and the Palmetto Golf Course, founded in 1893, is as old as golf in America.

In November, 1950, a big change came to Aiken when it was announced that a huge Atomic Energy Commission Plant would be located nearby. The town was soon filled with thousands of workers, and all activities greatly expanded. A gradual change took place from the "horse and buggy" atmosphere of old Aiken to that of a modern city bustling with activity.

The best of the past has been blended with modern improvements to create a truly unique town, thus Aiken will ever endure.